Additional info about enigmatic bird species occurring in Finland

 

In this item we highlight about about two enigmatic bird species residing in dense, remote and often old growth coniferous forests in Finland and seen during EB5 trips.

 

Great Grey Owl

 

As with red-flanked bluetails, knowledge of the breeding areas of Europe’s largest owl is extremely important once spring really arrives as they’re often solitary and elusive. Famous overwintering birds, which have been steadfast at specific locations with lots of voles present in Lapland, can suddenly vanish and leave after winter without a trace to such suitable breeding areas. And these are different every year. It results in the species showing nomadic behavior and can hardly be guaranteed in advance at a location that birdwatchers have planned well in advance during their preparation for a trip.

Where normally about fifty nests are occupied in dense coniferous Karelian forests, this year there were only about ten. This is due to the poor vole population in the region. The absence of voles means that the owls move away or simply skip a breeding season. Though, both in spring and during the summer, we were lucky enough to get nesting locations of the great grey owl. Something we are proud of! This again in the region where the hides for observing the large carnivores are manned.

Considering that, apart from their nomadic existence, the total Finnish population numbers are about 600 breeding pairs, it remains a downright rare species. This makes and remains the great grey owl a very popular and sought after for all kinds of keen wildlife enthusiasts. People, once face to face with its immense size, cryptic grey plumage, enchanting facial disk, several dark rings and piercing, bright yellow eyes and beak, are always euphoric! The supporting video, made by two photographers whose journey was fully organised by EB5, speaks for itself! A sincere thank you to Tom and Gert Vandezande for sharing this pro footage!

 

Red-flanked Bluetail

The red-flanked bluetail,  formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher. The days when red-flanked bluetail was a real rarity in Western Europe are over. The species, which has expanded its breeding range westwards, is increasingly appearing during the autumn. Recently, the species is no longer even fully considered a vagrant during the migration period of birds that pass through Western Europe.

Also in Finland, the species is expanding its breeding range. Their nesting locations are always real gems in terms of habitat, as the species always chooses hills covered with primeval forest. Observing an adult singing male in the top of a spruce on such a hill is a must to do highlight in every avid birdwatcher’s birding career! The iconic hills Valtavaara and Kontainen near Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland are the best-known location where many birdwatchers realise such an observation.

But the species can also be found elsewhere. Both near the cities of Lieksa, Joensuu and Kuhmo, EB5 guides have knowledge of primeval forests home to the species. The birds always betray their presence due to their loud vocal behavior. Especially in spring. Territorial behavior that, certainly with first-year males, can last until the beginning of July. But once their singing decreases, it is like looking for a needle in a haystack in those old growth forests. In terms of broods, very little is known about this species. Remarkable was the fact of a nest location that we got hold of from a local contact in July. This is the region where the hides for observing the large carnivores are manned. An appointment for a two-hour stay, in a mobile photo hide that was set up near the nest, was quickly made! The female flew continuously to and from the nest that was located between the blueberry vegetation. A unique and most probably once in a lifetime experience!

 

Thank you

Sincere thanks to John Wright for his amendments and edits regarding the grammatical content of this news item. A professional contribution that is warmly appreciated by EB5!